We're more than two weeks into the WNBA season and the action never lets up.
So which players are on the rise? What are the latest trends in betting? And what injuries could affect women's fantasy basketball?
Let's take a closer look at the league for the latest fantasy and betting data for all 12 teams.
Although Jordin Canada has yet to play this season due to a right hand injury, Haley Jones (featured in 3.8% of ESPN leagues) has not been fantasy-relevant as a starter in his absence. Despite scoring 26 fantasy points in the season opener against the Sparks, the former Stanford star hasn't scored double-digit fantasy points since. There is currently no timetable for Canada's return.
Angel Reese is opening eyes as the first rookie since Rhyne Howard in 2022 to record five consecutive games with 10 or more points to start her career. Howard accomplished this feat in six consecutive games. Reese has exceeded expectations in fantasy leagues based on his average draft position this season, scoring 20 or more fantasy points in five consecutive games, including a notable 30-point performance against the Seattle Storm in his most recent game. Howard, who averaged 30.8 fantasy points per game during his rookie season with the Dream, offers insight into Reese's potential in 2024.
If you're looking for an affordable pick for a championship winner, look no further than the Sun (+1200). Despite going 2-4 against the spread, Connecticut (6-0) is undefeated. The Sun also ranks in the top four in both offensive and defensive rating. The way Connecticut shut down the Phoenix Mercury's offense on Tuesday should make you raise an eyebrow and take them seriously as championship contenders alongside the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty.
Arike Ogunbowale He is making history as the first player in franchise history to lead the Wings in scoring for five consecutive games to start the season. His ballhandling is something to behold and with Ogunbowale on the floor, the Wings can compete with any team in the league. Bettors should definitely consider betting on Dallas to win more than 18.5 regular season games.
Before Wednesday's news that Temi Fagbenle will miss two or three weeks due to a foot injury, the Fever's rotation adjustments were a blessing for Fagbenle (42.3%). He scored 20 or more fantasy points in four of his last five games, logging an average of 27.8 minutes per game during that stretch. While Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith maintain high usage rates, Fagbenle's ability to contribute in multiple statistical categories makes her a fantasy gem once he returns to the court.
Aja Wilson He leads all players with 50.4 fantasy points per game, and it's easy to see why. She is making history by becoming the second player in league history with a five-game span of at least 125 points and 60 rebounds. The only other player to accomplish this feat was Lauren Jackson in 2007, a season in which she was named league MVP. Wilson (-115) is currently the favorite to win the award from a betting perspective.
Dearica Hamby has set her sights on earning the first All-WNBA selection of her career this season, and is already making significant strides. She joins an elite group as the third player in franchise history to average at least 20.0 points per game and 10.0 RPGs through the first six games of a season. Nneka Ogwumike (2023), Candace Parker (2010) and Lisa Leslie (1998, 2006) are the other notable players in this exclusive club. Considering her average draft position, Hamby has proven to be a bargain in fantasy leagues.
Napheesa Collier is having an epic season. He has averaged 22.2 points per game, 10.8 points per game, 3.5 points per game, 2.7 points per game and 2.0 points per game in 36.3 minutes in six games. Remarkably, Collier is just the third player in league history to average at least 20.0 points per game, 2.0 points per game and 2.0 points per game in the first six games of a season. The other two? Sylvia Fowles in 2017 and Sheryl Swoopes in 1999. Fowles won MVP that year, while Swoopes finished second to Yolanda Griffith. Given this context, Collier (+750) is someone you should consider betting on to win the award.
If you selected Sabrina Ionescu At her average draft position, you might be a little disappointed with her fantasy production so far this season, especially when you compare her to players like Napheesa Collier and Arike Ogunbowale, who have similar ADP. Ionescu is currently averaging 31.4 fantasy points per game, but is in a shooting slump with a field goal percentage of just 39.0% so far. Ionescu's performance against the Mercury on Wednesday is a step in the right direction.
Kahleah Copper He was named Western Conference Player of the Week. This is the second time she has been recognized as Player of the Week; Cooper's first came in 2022 during his time with the Chicago Sky. He has been a fantastic offseason addition for the Mercury, averaging 24.7 points per game. The only players who have a higher per-game average are A'ja Wilson (26.2) and Arike Ogunbowale (28.8). From a fantasy perspective, Copper has been a great value pick at his average position in the draft. Additionally, she is a strong MVP contender, currently with odds of +1300. Considering her performance, she is definitely someone you should consider rooting for.
The Storm are on a roll, winning three straight games and finally climbing above .500 for the first time since the 2022 season. With stars like Jewell Loyd, Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Ezi Magbegor leading the way, Seattle has a formidable lineup, making them less ideal for fantasy streamers considering their high usage rates. From a betting perspective, it's encouraging to see the Storm's offensive improvement given their talent-rich roster. They are also rock solid on the other side of the ball and currently rank third in defensive rating. Despite their recent success, they still trail the Aces, Liberty and Sun in championship odds, ranking fourth. Something to consider from a betting perspective.
Julie Van Loo (20.5%), a native of Belgium, has spent her entire professional basketball career abroad and was signed by the Mystics this offseason after playing for Galatasaray of the Turkish Super League. The 31-year-old has played very well so far in her WNBA career. Vanloo has scored 18 or more fantasy points in four of seven games. She also played 27 minutes or more in five of those games.
